Porthleven Harbour
Porthleven harbour is the most beautiful hidden gem recently celebrating it’s 200th Birthday! The harbour is surrounded by eateries, gift shops, pubs and bars, with it’s iconic fairy lights lighting water at night you can really enjoy the ambience all day long. Paddleboard or swim in the harbour in the warmer months or just enjoy a Cornish cider and soak up the atmosphere!
Porthleven Harbour is the UK’s most Southerly port and was originally built to offer a safe haven for ships during treacherous weather in Mounts Bay. Famous for it’s spectacular storms, Porthleven is often seen on the news all over the country when it needs to batten down it’s hatches!
Porthleven and Loe Bar Beach
A short walk from the harbour and past the famous ‘Institute’ building you will find Porthleven beach leading to Loe Bar beach. Porthleven beach is a fine single to sand beach with rock pools. Watch the surfers and look out for dolphins and seals often spotted in the bay.
You access the beach down a slipway (Which may be difficult for the less mobile) and you can use the steps ‘Blue Buoy Steps’ to walk back into Porthleven from Loe Bar amongst the traditional fisherman’ cottages to take in the amazing view. Porthleven beach has the most stunning horizon and it’s well worth taking in a sunset on your visit!
*Dogs are welcome on the beach but during peak season there are time restrictions in place.
*Porthleven beach shelves quickly and is subject to powerful undertows so swimming can be risky unless you are familiar with the area, swimming at Loe Bar is advised against due to the conditions there.
Coastal Paths
A haven for walkers and hikers the left and right of the harbour you can access the coastal path, just follow the signs. You will find the Breage Side coastal path just past The Ship Inn and the Loe Bar Side coastal path walking up past The Institute and along Loe Bar Road. The Breage Side Coastal Path is the more readily accessible. Dotted with historic Tin mines a walk along the rugged coastline will certainly blow the cobwebs away and the views and scenery are spectacular.
The Moors Skate Park, Porthleven
Located at Methleigh Bottoms The Moors Skate Park is a great recreational addition for younger guests. Rebuilt with concrete in 2017/18 the well designed park consists of a wide open bowl, long curved banks, mini ramps, hips and roll ins.
There is also a football pitch, play park and basketball hoops at the park.
The Shipyard Market
The Shipyard Market is located at the harbour head in the old industrial yard that once served the town’s rich ship building and net making industry. Opened in 2021 the market consists of vibrant, independent and artisan traders offering handmade crafts, food, drink and art. Always bustling and with a great vibe it’s well worth a visit!
*Seasonal opening times
For keen anglers and seafarers fishing trips and pleasure cruises are available from the harbour. Mollie May Charters offer both fishing and coastal tours at very reasonable prices.
molliemaypz44@gmail com / 07706 780528
Boat and Fishing Trips
Salt Cellar Workshops
For guests that love crafts and arts there are some amazing artists occupying the old Salt Cellar on Harbourside Road. Some offer workshops if you are looking for something alternative to do during your stay!
Mor Holan Sauna and Wild Spa
Enjoy an outdoor sauna experience at Mor Holan on Mount Pleasant Road. Specialising in a hot and cold therapy with wood fired saunas and cold plunge dips. With fantastic views of the harbour it’s a great way to invigorate and reset during your holiday.
PFC at The Netloft Gym and The Shipyard
Located at The Netloft on Mount Pleasant Road and a fitness studio behind the Shipyard Market at the harbour head. Whether you fancy weight training, a gym session or exercise class Porthleven Fitness Collective have a workout for you, visitor passes are available.
porthlevenfitnesscollective@gmail.com / 07788 421 165
Porthleven FC ‘The Fishermen’
Porthleven is very proud to have a well established and much loved football team, aptly named ‘The Fishermen’ playing in the St Piran’s South Division. They also have a brilliant ladies team (pictured left) winning the league and cup double in 2025/26.
You won’t need to travel far to support the team at No 16 you can watch from the side garden with a great view of the pitch!
Things to do outside of Porthleven
There are plenty of great places to visit in Helston and near by areas -
Helston duck pond, Coronation Park. Cafe, park, skate park, bike hire, picnic - www.facebook.com/share/1UD84R3RXW/
Helston Railway, Standard Light Gauge Heritage Railway, train rides and cafe - www.helstonrailway.co.uk
Helston Sports Centre, pool, gym, fitness - www.better.org
Paradise Park and Jungle Barn, Hayle, bird, wildlife sanctuary and play barn - www.paradisepark.org
Cornish Seal Sanctuary, Gweek, The Sea Life Trust, seal rescue and rehabilitation in cornwall - www.sealsanctuary.sealifetrust.org
Hayle Outdoor Swimming Pool, water slides, seasonal opening, booking essential - www.hayletowncouncil.gov.uk/your-council/swimming-pool/
Jubilee Pool, Penzance, 1930’s lido sea water pool, geo thermal pool, inflatable course, cafe and ice cream, seasonal opening, booking essential - www.jubileepool.co.uk
St Michael’s Mount, ancient tidal island, historic village, castle, beach, tide dependant - www.stmichaelsmount.co.uk
RSPB Marazion Marsh Nature Reserve - www.rspb.org.uk/days-out/reserves/marazion-marsh
Royal Naval Air Station, RNAS Culdrose, public viewing area open 24 hours, Mawgan, Helston TR12 6BB
Beaches
Praa Sands, TR20 9TQ
Marazion Beach, toilets and cafe, TR17 0AA
Hayle Beach, Hayle Towans, sand dunes, cafe, TR27 5AF